How to Choose a Quality Affiliate Marketing Program?

by Jon Patrick

We've all heard the stories.
Times are tough. Job cuts are at record highs. More and more people are looking for ways to supplement their incomes. They're not dreaming of being rich, of mansions and yachts and month-long vacations in Italy. They're looking for a way to pay for a car, or health insurance, or just catch up on the Christmas charges on the Credit Cards. (you know who you are!)

Of course, if they're online looking for a way to build that supplemental income, they are overwhelmed with information. The "next big thing" that's "sweeping the internet". But the fact remains, the best, simpliest, and fastest way for the average Joe or Jane to tap-into the internet is Affiliate Marketing. In short - selling or promoting someone else's product and earning a substantial commision. Sure, it's not always easy. As with anything in life there are learning curves and you have to actually WORK at it. You don't just place a few Adwords ads and wait for the money to roll in!

But it's always worth it, and there are a few items to look for in a quality Affiliate program.

1. Multiple streams of income - look for a program that can provide you with not 1 source of revenue, but multiple at a time, allowing you to leverage your time.
2. Training - look for programs with FREE webinars or conference calls, preferably MULTIPLE sessions per week. These are absolutely invaluable for training on the tactics, techniques and strategies others are using, as well as educating yourself about the product. Do they have free Forums where both current members AND people considering the opportunity meet and brainstorm and share success strategies?
3. Proof - look for programs that provide PROOF of recent success and paying their affiliates!
4. Finally - HOT products in demand! Is the product desirable by not only you, but are there thousands of other customers out there clamouring for it?

This is only an outline, but these 4 items can help you narrow down your search in looking for a powerful vehicle for these trying times. Best of all, with some patience and training, your goal of helping with the car payment can grow into that Yacht payment!